Former CRIMSON GLORY Singer Joins Forces With JON OLIVA'S PAIN, MONSTROSITY Members

June 3, 2007

Former CRIMSON GLORY singer/songwriter Midnight has resurfaced with a new band and is currently putting the finishing touches on his third solo release, titled "M2: Descending into Madness". His re-emergence comes after several months in exile, following his abrupt departure from the much anticipated reunion of legendary Sarasota, Florida-based CRIMSON GLORY.

Joining Midnight are, among others, guitarist Matt LaPorte of JON OLIVA'S PAIN (ex-CIRCLE II CIRCLE) and drummer Lee Harrison, best known as the founder and leader of Tampa, FL death metal legends MONSTROSITY. Harrison has also performed with such influential bands as ATHEIST and MALEVOLENT CREATION. The collabaration came about after the two sought out the much-fabled siren, known for his unique style and mystique.

Says LaPorte: "Lee and I have always been fans of CRIMSON GLORY and Midnight. We have harbored a strong desire for years to work with Mid, one our idols. We both consider it an honor, as well as our duty, to be a part of bringing his magical, angelic voice back to the metal masses."

The two will join Midnight on his July tour of Texas, along with drummer/percussionist master Phil Anderson, whose work on Midnight's 2005 release "Sakada" (Black Lotus Records) gave the record a very unique sound. The approach on the "Sakada" CD caught many fans of Midnight's work with CRIMSON GLORY off guard and entranced many a listener, including LaPorte. "While I was doing a press junket for the last OLIVA record, a journalist gave me a promo copy of 'Sakada'," Matt says. "For the next six weeks, while on tour, I listened to it 8-10 times every day. The hammer dulcimer is the most beautiful sound ever to grace my ears."

In addition to finishing the "M2" record, Midnight and co. are structuring a setlist for their live shows, which will showcase not only songs from Midnight's acoustic-oriented solo releases, but also honor his famed CRIMSON GLORY back catalog, including several compositions from the much-heralded 1988 release "Transcendence".

Two low-quality video clips of CRIMSON GLORY performing at the Rockwave Festival on July 12, 2006 at Terravibe in Malakasa, Greece have been posted online at YouTube.

CRIMSON GLORY parted ways with Midnight (real name: John Patrick McDonald Jr.) in January following the revelation that he was arrested on January 20 in Sarasota, Florida and charged with "DUI [driving under the influence] with .20 [blood-alcohol level] or higher or having a passenger under 18" years of age. As BLABBERMOUTH.NET first reported on January 25, Midnight (police photo) was also cited for driving with a suspended/ cancelled/ revoked license. Bond for the 44-year-old vocalist — who gave his occupation as "painter" to the authorities at the time of the arrest — was set at $1,500. He was arraigned on February 8 and was eventually released. Midnight has since been replaced in CRIMSON GLORY by Wade Black (who sang on the band's 1999 "comeback" CD, "Astronomica").

Watch CRIMSON GLORY's classic video for the song "Lonely" at YouTube.com.

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